Another offseason filled with Mark Sanchez doubters and his ability
to perform under pressure almost makes people forget how well he
performed when it was required. With Sanchez working to master the Jets
offense after building his reputation as a clutch performer, the hope is
that he can deliver some prolific performances when the NFL decides
they’re ready to give us football.

If prolific isn’t yet possible, then more consistent would be great, too.

The way this man has chosen to live is his business; I won’t judge him for that. I will, however, declare my deep hatred and resentment for the things people do just to say they live in New York City.

A video likes this only serves to justify the outrageous rent prices set by realtors and landlords. The entire apartment market gets obliterated when someone chooses to pay $800 per month for a narrow walkway of an apartment, a shared bathroom, and no kitchen. I mean, his dishes and utensils are next to his sneakers; his printer above the microwave.

Hell’s Kitchen, Clinton District, Midtown Manhattan, or whatever anyone wants to call it to dress it up, is not worth living like this. And living like that is not worth $800/month. This upset me.

The rent is too damn high.

I understand why the Jets felt comfortable with releasing No. 89, but
it doesn’t mean I like it. You can’t say in 2010 that Cotchery embodies
what it means to “play like a Jet” and release him in 2011. What
message does that send? Not just to the team, but to the fans.

Business or not, I’m more concerned with Cotchery’s health. If the
release has to do with his bad back, then I hope for a speedy recovery
and his overall wellness most. If he can play, hopefully he finds a team
that will appreciate his selfless style and warrior spirit.

UPDATE: More details come with time, and it’s looking like Cotchery requested to be traded or released.

I suppose the Jets did the right thing by not dragging it out and wasting time, but they also created that frustration for J-Co. Again, if he defines what it means to play like a Jet, then why go to great lengths to treat him as a No. 3 receiver? He was offended and rightfully so.

Hopefully he lands somewhere that recognizes his skills as a possession receiver and uses him well to complement a speedster. Cotchery is dangerous after the catch; I expect a lot of teams know that, too.

I cannot be a sneakerhead if I allow my frustration with hypebeasts to sway my legitimate preferences, to deter me from acquiring kicks I truly like.

The South Beach Mania triggered by last winter’s Nike LeBron 8 release reared its teal and pink-laced head almost instantly when pictures leaked of the Electric Blue Pro. Blog commenters exclaimed, “South Beach Foams!” while others began their search for quality pink laces to throw into the Foamposite.

Summer 2011, turquoise Foamposite Pro, pink laces, SOUTH BEACH. There was no escaping it.

Why? Why is everyone so inspired and motivated by this “Miami Vice” colorway? It was unique on the LeBron 8, but everything teal or turquoise or aqua or sea green is not unique to South Beach. Why the fascination?

If you ever wanted to learn about the etymology of hypebeast or why the term exists, this is it. The hype took on a beastly form, ravaged the sneakerhead culture, and developed a deafening buzz. We’re talking custom South Beach Jordan 6 Retros and South Beach Air Force 1 Bespoke. Jordan Brand jumped in on the fun for Dwyane Wade’s signature Fly Wade in South Beach colors, too.

No. Escape.

It’s got nothing to do with the colorway itself. I mean, I’d never wear it (I think). It’s my lack of understanding that overwhelmed me. I don’t see the reason for such extreme popularity. People enjoying loud, eye-grabbing colors is nothing new, so the South Beach love makes sense with that, but the insanity for the color scheme is mind boggling.

The “South Beach” LeBron 8 is marked around $1000 on Flight Club. That’s one-thousand dollars, or too much money.

*****

So I bypassed the July 2 release for the Air Foamposite Pro. Waiting on lines isn’t my thing, and my obvious frustration with the South Beach fascination soured me on the shoes altogether. I planned to pass, knowing the Electric Blues would sell out quickly at retail and get marked up immediately online.

In fact, just a month after the Electric Blue release, the box price jumped from $190 to $300 or more on Flight Club. I refused to pay that and, fortunately, I didn’t have to.

Someone I know, whose identity I’m sworn to protect, picked up a pair at discount for someone who never reached out to him. When that connection faded, the person I know asked me if I wanted them for what he paid. How could I say no to a pair of shoes I liked for nearly half the going rate?

Funny enough, I hunted for these when I visited the Nike Employee Store a month ago, with no luck. There was size 14 in stock, but I don’t have socks thick enough to fit my size 11 foot comfortably in one of those boats. Sure, I’m going a half size up with these, but it’s not the end of the world.

I’ll definitely get over it.

Marvel-inspired hats aren’t anything new. The Venom logo is still one of the most popular designs for a fitted I’ve ever seen. That style actually transcends comic-book fandom, simply because the logo is simple and iconic.

As for the Captain, we’ve seen hats featuring his shield for ages. The truest Steve Rogers fans embraced the opportunities to show their support in various styles. But with the July 22 release of the Chris Evans-driven blockbuster came a premium design in support of Captain America, and I had to have it.

New Era combined 85% nylon and 15% polyester for the Cap’s cap, abandoning the wool traditionally found on a 59Fifty. That means wearing this hat in the summer is not a good idea. Heat makes you sweat and the polyester lining on the inside won’t help matters at all. It’s not as breathable as a standard fitted.

But, man, does it look and feel great. Everything is smooth to the touch with a rough textured brim to add a little grit for contrast.

I want to say the star on the front is leather, but I don’t want to be quoted on that. I even wrote that in bold and broke the fourth wall to point it out, for emphasis. The side panels feature the wings from Captain America’s helmet/mask (depending on your beginning with the Cap’s tale). His shield rounds out the back of the fitted.

The inside of the hat includes a bunch of artistic renditions of Chris Evans as “Captain America” in various costumes appearing in the film. That’s the part that really won’t help you when you sweat.

For you sneakerheads, my good pal Deftronic pointed out on Twitter, “…with Royal foams. MURDER.” And he’s absolutely correct. Just don’t do a blue shirt with it, too. That’s doing too much.

The Warning Angle: Makes sense because the Jets linebackers were abused on the inside & with underneath routes.

The Rally Cry Angle: The Jets re-signed Edwards in the Asomugha
aftermath and he’s boasting “Green and White” while warning opposing
‘backers to cover in space.

Either makes sense. I guess we’ll all know soon.

I appreciate you, Agent 0.